When your existing washing machine suddenly stops working, it’s tempting to hop in the car and drive to the first listing that popped up when you searched “washer and dryer appliance store near me.” But don’t head out for a replacement washer just yet. You’re more likely to make an informed decision if you ask yourself a few simple questions before you start looking at the washing machine selection at your local appliance store.
To help you decide whether a top-load washer or a front-load washing machine will work best for your household, consider these five questions from the washer and dryer experts here at Garner Appliance and Mattress:
1. Do you frequently wash large, bulky items like blankets and pillows?
Most standard top-load washers use an agitator (the tall post in the middle of the washing machine) to move items within the machine as part of the cleaning process, but that agitator can make it almost impossible to wash large blankets and pillows. It’s much easier to wash oversized items in a washer that cleans without an agitator, so look for a front-load washer, top-load washer with an impeller, or top-load washer with a removable agitator.
2. How much space do you have for your laundry appliances?
If you have limited floor space but don’t want to sacrifice washing capacity, a stackable front-load washer is the way to go. Don’t confuse stackable front-load washers with the compact stacked units you’ve encountered in apartments and vacation rentals—we’re talking about full-size washing machines with enough capacity to handle the whole family’s laundry. At Garner Appliance & Mattress, we have stackable front-load washers in a variety of sizes ranging from 2.2 cubic feet to a whopping 5.5 cu. ft. of washing capacity, and we’ll help you find a model that fits your space and meets your needs.
3. What features did you love about your previous washing machine(s)?
Even if you feel sure that you’ll remember all your favorite features when you’re surrounded by fancy new models at your local washer and dryer appliance store, it’s still a good idea to write down what you valued most in previous washers. For example, if you put a load of clothes in the washer every night before bed and use the “Delay Start” feature, so your clothes finish washing moments after you wake up each morning, you probably want to prioritize washers with Delay Start capabilities.
4. What bothered you about your previous washing machine(s)?
You’ll be moving laundry into and out of your new washer every day (maybe multiple times a day, depending on your household size) for the foreseeable future, so write down the things that drove you crazy about your previous washer. Whether you’re concerned about the length of time your washer spends in the spin cycle or how loud the motor whirs when it’s draining, make sure to mention any personal irritants to the laundry experts at Garner Appliance & Mattress so we can help you avoid any potential laundry pitfalls.
If you’re still not sure whether a top-load or front-load washer is right for you, swing by the closest Garner Appliance & Mattress location and talk to a member of our team. If our North Raleigh showroom pops up when you search “washer and dryer appliance store near me,” you’re in for a real treat. We’ll show you our impressive selection of laundry appliances and help you find the best one for your home.